Los Angeles Lakers Land Bradley Beal

Washington Wizards Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2026 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL),  2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL) 

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Bradley Beal 

We’ve just committed a lot of words to why the Lakers don’t need to move Westbrook. We meant them. That doesn’t mean it isn’t an option. 

Especially if the right deal is on the table. If the Lakers could land a third star who fits alongside James and Davis on paper, they ought to consider it. That star would likely be an elite off-ball player. 

A player like, for example, Bradley Beal. If the Lakers added him, they’d suddenly have one of the best trios in the NBA – in terms of pure talent, and fit. 

Meanwhile, Beal would possibly be the best third option in the NBA, but the Washington Wizards aren’t getting anywhere with him as a lead dog.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Bradley Beal & Washington Wizards Updates

It feels like they’re long overdue to move him: They need to start building a team that could get used to winning in time.